By Rachel Stewart

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:25-33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We’ve all heard the story about Peter walking on the water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. But when he took his eyes off Jesus, that’s when he began to sink. 

Many sermons have been preached about this lesson of faith. 

My friend Jade shared a different perspective with me that I’ve been thinking a lot about here lately. 

How many disciples were in the boat? How many left the comfort zone of the boat and took the risk to go out onto the water to see Jesus? 

Only one.

Peter.

We give Peter down the road for losing his focus and taking his eyes off Jesus, but he was still the only one brave enough to get out of the boat and walk on the water. 

He took the risk. He left his comfort zone when no one else did. 

I love that the Bible allows us to see the raw, real people, with blunders, blips and mess ups. 

I can relate. 

Peter made mistakes, but you can’t help but see the sincerity of his heart and his tenacious love for Jesus. 

He passionately loved Christ! He took risks when no one else did. 

And when he lost his focus and stumbled, Jesus was right there to catch him.

 Peter didn’t drown. He didn’t sink.

It all worked out in the end.  Jesus caught him. He was glorified and the disciples worshipped Him. The disciples got to see the power of God in the miracle on the lake that night!

In fact, because Peter took that risk and got out of the boat, people are still talking about that story today! Think about how many millions of lives have been affected because Peter chose to leave his comfort zone! 

The risk was worth it! 
I wonder what I would have done if I were in the boat that night? Would I have stayed in the safety of the boat? Or would I have been so moved by my love for Christ that I would have stepped out on the water in faith to get to my Lord? 

I think the Lord calls us out of the boat and onto the water at different times in our lives for many different reasons. He might be testing our faith. He might have a greater and better plan for our lives. He might want to use our talents and gifts to influence others? 

And it will mean taking risks. Possibly losing control. Surrendering. Trusting. Leaving our comfort zones.

We might even make mistakes and stumble along the way. 

But if He calls us out of our comfort zones, we must step out of the boat and go. 

Obedience is key. 

Even if we do stumble and fall, He will be right there to catch us! 

There is no safer place for a Christian than in the arms of the Lord. 

Get out of the boat! He is worth the risk!

Questions to ponder:

Do you feel like the Lord is calling you to step out in faith in a certain area in your life? 

What barriers are holding you back? 

I’d love for you to share your thoughts on this passage. I love to hear what the Lord is showing you and learn from you too. 

It is an absolute joy to share with you. I’m humbled and honored that you take the time to read my ramblings. To Him be all the glory and honor and praise! 

Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂